Buying auto insurance by getting online quotes saves time, is easy to do and at the same time you might just save a little. The key to finding lower rates is to take the time to get rates from all providers in order to have the best prices.

Shopping online for auto insurance is challenging if you are a beginner to online quotes. But relax because comparing prices is actually very simple. Finding a better price on auto insurance can be relatively painless. Consumers just need to spend a few minutes to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be accomplished by comparing rates here.

What factors determine your insurance rates?

Auto insurance rates paid to insure a 2003 can vary widely and are calculated by many factors. Taken into consideration are:

  • Tickets increase premiums
  • Credit rating
  • Your gender can raise or lower rates
  • Deductible amount directly impacts your rate
  • Your vehicle's safety rating
  • Claims drive up premiums
  • Having continuous coverage saves you money
  • Whether you rent or own your home

A final factor that helps determine is the model year. Newer models cost more in comparison to later models so the costs to repair can inflate annual premiums. Although newer models may have a trim level with safety features included like pedestrian detection, dual-stage airbags, a rollover prevention system, and automatic crash notification which can lower rates.

Liability - This protects you from damages or injuries you inflict on a person or their property in an accident. Liability coverage pays for things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. It is cheap coverage so consider buying higher limits if possible.

Collision coverages - Collision insurance pays for damage to your from colliding with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. This coverage can be expensive, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. You can also bump up the deductible in order to get cheaper .

Comprehensive or Other Than Collision - This pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible consider dropping full coverage.

Uninsured and underinsured coverage - This protects you and your vehicle's occupants from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Since many drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits, it doesn't take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is very important.

Medical costs insurance - Med pay and PIP coverage kick in for expenses (i.e. doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses). They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you are not covered by health insurance. PIP coverage is not available in all states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.